the ability to cope well with difficulties or to face challenges in a spirited and resilient manner
example
Despite the numerous challenges they faced during the expedition, their mettle was evident as they navigated through the stormy weather with determination.
synonyms
resolvecouragefortitude
word origin — Middle English 'mettel', from the Old French 'mettel' meaning 'metal', which metaphorically referred to the strength or quality of a person.
TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 155
Set 155 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: mettle, syringe, negotiation, tendency, pariah. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
mettle · noun/ˈmɛtəl/
the ability to cope well with difficulties or to face challenges in a spirited and resilient manner
Despite the numerous challenges they faced during the expedition, their mettle was evident as they navigated through the stormy weather with determination.
Synonyms: resolve, courage, fortitude
Origin: Middle English 'mettel', from the Old French 'mettel' meaning 'metal', which metaphorically referred to the strength or quality of a person.
syringe · noun/sɪˈrɪnʤ/
a medical tool used to inject or withdraw fluids from the body
The nurse carefully filled the syringe with the vaccine before administering it to the patient.
Synonyms: hypodermic needle, injector, needle
Origin: from Latin 'syringa,' meaning 'a tube or pipe,' derived from Greek 'syrinx,' meaning 'a tube.'
negotiation · noun/nɪˌɡoʊʃiˈeɪʃən/
the process of discussing terms and reaching an agreement
The negotiation process took several weeks, as both sides needed to agree on critical terms.
Synonyms: bargaining, discussion, dialogue
Origin: from Latin 'negotiatio', from 'negotiari' meaning 'to carry on business'
tendency · noun/ˈtɛn.dən.si/
an inclination or natural disposition to behave in a particular way
She has a tendency to procrastinate when faced with large projects.
Synonyms: inclination, propensity, predisposition
Origin: Late Latin 'tendentia', from 'tendere' meaning 'to stretch, to tend'
pariah · noun/pəˈraɪə/
a person who is rejected from a social group or has been ostracized
After the scandal, he became a **pariah** in his community, shunned by his former friends and colleagues.
Synonyms: outcast, leper, recluse
Origin: From Hindi 'pāray' meaning 'outcaste', from Sanskrit 'parāya' which referred to someone outside the societal norms.